In Minnesota, Democratic State Representative Carly Melin is the lead house sponsor of medical marijuana legislation.

She says it's important to remember that a similar bill passed in the state in 2009 before being vetoed by then Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Along with public polling showing overwhelming support for the move, Representative Melin says support for the bill is not divided by party lines.

"I have bipartisan authors on my bill. The Senate is a bipartisan bill," said Rep. Melin. "You've already had three Republican candidates for Governor saying that they would sign medical marijuana. So, although Democrats control state government, it's definitely a bipartisan issue."